Are Israel and Iran mostly similar?

Answer 1

The Israeli people and Iranian people are actually rather similar. They both are very cultured with a "European" disposition. They like to read and write, have on-average a high degree of commerce and education, and a strong feeling of a national historic narrative.

The governments and social organization of Israel and Iran, though, could not be more different. Israel is a secular Parliamentary Democracy, where all citizens, including minorities, have the right to vote for the political party that will best represent them. The governing authority forms through various coalitions of different parties which between them select a Prime Minister. Israel protects most basic freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom from unwarranted searches and seizures, personal freedom (permission of homosexuality and abortions), trial by jury, and numerous other rights. Iran is an Islamic Republic which means that while it has a legislature, its power is strongly circumscribed by an unelected judiciary: the Supreme Council of Ayatollahs. These religious leaders have prevented basic civil rights by repressing minorities, banning freedom of speech and assembly, and executing individuals for violations of Islamic Law. They also have a veto over the candidacy of any politician running for office, meaning that they can effectively prevent any politician who wishes to push Iran in a different direction than they do. Iran has become increasingly religious and apocalyptic in its world view.